A public post by Iran’s parliamentary speaker and chief peace negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has drawn attention after he referenced “vibe trading digital oil” and hedging U.S. Treasuries during periods described as “Hormuz risk-off.”
The statement, shared on social media, concluded with a Bloomberg Terminal command associated with Dated Brent crude pricing. Ghalibaf, who previously led Iran’s delegation at the Islamabad peace talks, made the remarks amid ongoing geopolitical developments in the Strait of Hormuz.
Vibe-trading digital oil is like vibe-hedging in treasuries during Hormuz risk-off. Both share one house of cards that works on paper.
Difference: oil at least has Dated Brent. Treasuries? Vibes all the way down.EUCRBRDT Index GP
— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) April 19, 2026
The post follows a series of oil market transactions that appeared shortly before official updates linked to the waterway. Data shows that approximately $760 million in oil short positions were placed around 21 minutes before Iran confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz had reopened to commercial shipping.
This instance forms part of a broader pattern observed in recent weeks. In total, three separate trades exceeding $2.2 billion were recorded minutes before major Iran-related announcements affecting the strait. The repeated timing of these transactions has drawn attention to market activity surrounding geopolitical disclosures.
Related: Middle East Tensions Rise Again After Lebanon Strikes and Hormuz Shift
Oil Prices React to Escalation
At the same time, oil markets have responded to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Oil prices rose after U.S. forces intercepted and seized an Iran-flagged cargo vessel attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during an active blockade.
Following the announcement, Brent crude futures increased by 4.88% to $95.26 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate rose 4.97% to $88.82. Iran had earlier stated it would close the strait again to commercial vessels, citing violations of a ceasefire agreement, while U.S. officials reported that multiple ships had already been turned back.
Crypto Market Shows Limited Movement
In contrast, crypto market indicators showed relatively limited reaction. The total market capitalization declined by 1.23% to $2.51 trillion, with the CMC20 index falling 1.38% to $152.28.
Source: CoinMarketCap
The Fear and Greed Index registered 51, indicating neutral sentiment. Bitcoin traded at $74,512.13, posting a 1.24% daily decline. Ethereum showed a similar pattern, while Tether remained stable at $1.00. XRP recorded a decline of 1.20% over the past 24 hours.
Related: Repeated Oil Trades Before Announcements Draw Regulatory Scrutiny
